World Wrestling Entertainment announces WWE Studios

WWE has changed the name of its Los Angeles-based subsidiary from WWE Films to WWE Studios, to better represent its focus on creating a diversified mix of filmed entertainment, including theatrical films, direct-to-DVD movies, and scripted television movies, series and reality programming.

"The name change reflects our focus on expanding the variety of projects that WWE intends to pursue, from theatrical films to direct-to-DVD to television and other media platforms," said Michael Lake, President, WWE Studios. "WWE Studios will continue to pursue opportunities which expand the integration of the WWE brand and its Superstars into filmed entertainment."

In early 2009, WWE Superstar John Cena's latest theatrical film 12 Rounds, directed by Renny Harlin, will be released by 20th Century Fox, under the WWE first look deal with Fox Atomic. WWE Studios, in conjunction with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, also will debut its first direct-to-DVD film, Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia, starring WWE Superstar Mr. Kennedy. Since the subsidiary's formal inception in 2002, WWE has produced three motion pictures: See No Evil, The Marine and The Condemned.